former What can be more exhilarating for an athlete than the chance to represent their country on the world’s biggest stage? For former number 1 Naomi Osaka, perhaps nothing. The prospect of competing at the Olympics has always been a dream, a sentiment she recently echoed with palpable excitement. However, the road to the Olympics is fraught with uncertainty for the Japanese star. Naomi Osaka made a comeback to the court after a 15-month-long hiatus. Many eagerly awaited her comeback, hoping to watch her win her fifth slam. She returned with ‘new perspectives’, but despite her best efforts, dark clouds seem to hover over her expectations of the Olympics. Speaking at the post-match presser after defeating Suzan Lamens 6-2, 6-2, in the round of 16 at the Rosmalen Grass Court Championships, Osaka shared her desire to play at the Olympics. Reflecting on the will of the selectors, she said, “I hope they let me play, yeah. But I would be planning to play.” world number one Naomi Osaka has been given the green light to compete for Japan at next month’s Paris Olympics, the country’s tennis association said Thursday.
Former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori has also been cleared to play, the Japan Tennis Association said.
Four-time Grand Slam winner Osaka lit the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games in 2021, where she went on to make the third round.
She has since become a mother and returned to tennis late last year after a 15-month maternity break.
The 26-year-old is currently ranked 125th in the world.
The singles event at the Olympics is limited to 64 players with a maximum of four from each nation.
The International Tennis Federation cleared her to compete in Paris by awarding her a special ranking for players who have been away from the tour, the JTA said.
She also qualifies as a former Grand Slam winner, the JTA said.
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